tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70368152152652331102018-03-05T15:59:36.798-08:00Family BahlerPapa in FLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12270111560999931092noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-31236637476421110152010-01-16T13:27:00.000-08:002010-01-16T13:42:29.922-08:002010 - Getting off to a Good Start?<em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">With record breaking cold, earthquakes in places unable to cope, political upheaval, terrorism activity increasing, uncertainty, and growing unemployment, it seems this year is getting off to a very bad start. But wait, God is about to do something absolutely amazing. </span></em>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-51732582686896328392009-10-15T19:07:00.000-07:002009-10-15T19:16:58.167-07:00Funny Story?<em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">The oldest grand daughter challenged me to tell a funny story on my blog. Well here goes.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Ever hear the term "Old Fart"? Well I think I have officially become one. It seems my body is producing a abundance of gas and it becomes apparent at all the wrong times. I work in an office with other people around all the time. For the past several days, I am almost afraid to leave my own office and walk to the copy machine or any place. "Toot... Toot... Toot" as I walk past other offices. Embarassing. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Oh well. You can now have a great day knowing you don't have that problem. </span></em>Papa in FLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12270111560999931092noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-55968831469231967202009-08-05T04:43:00.000-07:002009-08-05T14:22:23.584-07:00Embryonic Stem Cell Research<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>On July 30, our President issued an Executive Memorandum on embryonic stem cell research. That Order says in part:</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000000;">"The Guidelines are based on the principles that responsible research with human embryonic stem cells has the potential to improve our understanding of human biology and aid in the discovery of new ways to prevent and treat illness, and that individuals donating embryos for research purposes should do so freely, with voluntary and informed consent. These Guidelines will ensure that NIH-funded research adheres to the highest ethical standards."</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>Now all that sounds good, right? Phases like "responsible research," "discovery of new ways to prevent and treat illness," "donating... freely, with volunary and informed consent," and "highest ethical standards" all sound pretty noble and important. </em></span><br /><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">This was not covered on any news I heard. With all the debate on "health care reform" and "cash for clunkers" no one was watching. Shame on us! </span></em></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>My only question is: Who speaks on behalf of the embryos? When is their free, voluntary and informed consent solicited and documented? </em></span></p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Besides all the moral problems, check out this article in Forbes:</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><a href="http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/15/stem-cells-research-cancer-opinions-contributors-embryonic-funding.html">http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/15/stem-cells-research-cancer-opinions-contributors-embryonic-funding.html</a><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>Woe unto us when we call "evil" "good." Now that we have our foot in the door, what's the next step?</em></span></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-39780178661186545412009-08-03T12:27:00.000-07:002009-08-03T13:00:40.147-07:00Comments on Health Care Bill<span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>Dare to read, you might be surprised by my conclusions... </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>The wording in the current health care bill is a slap in the face of the “silent” or “greatest” generation – the generation that lived through the depression, fought in World War II, sacrificed so much during the war, raised the “baby boom” generation (the largest ever in history), and contributed to one of the greatest periods of economic growth in human history. They have been missionaries, evangelists and, ambassadors. Many have had to give up even more due to “rebounding” children – grown children who fail at jobs, marriage, life and return home to get a second start. Now the health care fix is being placed squarely on their backs and on the backs of their children. I noted the limitations of health care in England once you are 59 (the Baby Boomers are already entering the age of restrictions). The Baby Boomers are beginning to get the idea that we need to apologize for ever being born because we are going to cause so much trouble. We will be second in line to be denied by-pass or cancer surgery. In August many in Congress are holding "town meetings." When you check their websites, however, attendance is by invitation only. So they don't really want to know what we think unless they think we think like they think??? <br /><br />In spite of how bad the existing bill is, I think there is a bigger issue. The common denominator in all the discussions is the government: the government grants treatments, sets the rates, controls prices, sets the rules, denies treatments, etc. God establishes governments to protect its citizens. To the extent government fails to protect the citizens but instead causes harm (dictates who can live and who must die) then such a government is no longer “under God.” Those with health issues become slaves of the healthy and those who have unrestricted health care. Such a nation cannot long endure on the face of the earth. The founding fathers warned us this time would come if we let Congress pass bills that they were not subject to. Our Congress today continually passes bills that do not apply to themselves even though they apply to everyone else. <br /><br />But there is yet still a bigger issue: Whether we have “universal health care” or not is not the biggest issue. The bigger issue is: Does this nation really “In God We Trust?” More and more it appears we are putting our trust in the government, Hollywood, famous personalities, rich people, money, anything or anyone but God. I note the Australians are becoming the dominant power in international sporting events and they have “universal health care” and are an overtly Christian nation. I think the biggest need in our nation is a national revival toward God. Until that happens, we will continue to have confused leaders and self-destructive national laws. The spirit of confusion on our leaders today comes directly from God as we drift farther from Him.<br /><br />Look at the “Cash for Junkers” program. It has been called an overwhelming “success.” A billion $$’s were spent in just a few days. Now Congress is trying to add $2B more. But where did the money go. Much of it went to buyers who bought cars manufactured in other countries. So we transferred much of the first $1B to Japan, Germany, and Korea. Some car new inventories were reduced but this is not a sustainable approach to recovery of the American auto industry. Calling it a “success” is the same kind of confused evaluation we have seen to nearly everything the government is doing right now. The only industry that is getting a long term benefit is the car-loans companies. But maybe not: they will be getting payments and interest for 4 to 7 years from people who were driving junkers, possibly because that's all they could afford. Does this at all sound like the housing crisis that supposedly started the recession in the first place? </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>See you at the Town Meeting near you. </em></span><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Steve</span></em>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-26897223873951593872009-07-16T09:09:00.000-07:002009-07-16T09:28:10.624-07:00Is This a Sign of Old Age?<em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Last night I drove to a small "international" airport north of Orlando to pickup Kathi. She was flying back from helping her parents in South Dakota. The trip broke my usual weeknight routine in several ways. </span></em><br /><ul><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Worked much later than normal</span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Had trouble getting back into the office after some meetings due to security</span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Had to drive to Orlando</span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Ate a really terrible McDonald's Angus burger, ick! </span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Had to follow the Garmen GPS all the way, because I had no idea where the airport was, and it was dark, so I really didn't know were I was going except for the compass on the rear view mirror</span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Had to pay a lot of tolls because the GPS routed me over every toll road it could find. mmm...</span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Finally found Kathi, looking lovely as usual</span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"> Went back by following the signs to I-4 rather than the toll roads, a little farther but a whole lot cheaper</span></em></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>Kathi tried to update me about her whole trip, I may have remembered some of it</em></span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>We got home at almost 1:00 a.m.</em></span></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">I unloaded Kathi's bags out of the car</span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Went to bed</span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Got up at 5:45 a.m. </span></em></li></ul><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Okay, except for the going to bed, everything else was pretty much not a normal weeknight activity. So why is all this significant? Well I'm glad you asked. When I got into the garage to go to work this moring, the car wouldn't start. After what seems like hours of investigation, I found I had left the tail gate open and the lights stayed on all night (about 6 hours) and drained the battery. Now I couldn't get to work, had to call and reschedule a meeting, etc. Fortunately, AAA was there in about 15 minutes, so I was only late for work by about 10 min. Usually I try to get there 30 minutes early just in case. </span></em></p><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">So here's the question? Does forgetfulness come from old age, fatigue or is that just who I am? You decide.</span></em></p><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Steve</span></em></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-36870250761117311132009-07-11T10:01:00.000-07:002009-07-11T10:13:56.850-07:00Was This a God Thing?<em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Last night I was working on a powerpoint presentation for a conference in Denver week after next. I was also watching TV in the background. My main prayer lately has been for family members who need new jobs. About midnight I turned off the TV and computer to go to bed. As I was waking up this morning, I began to pray for family members as I ususally do. For the first time my prayer was led pray for "sources of income" rather than just "jobs." Then as I was getting out of bed I heard noises coming from other part of the house. Turned out the cable was on, but not the TV so the sound was coming out of the surround sound system. When I checked it out it was a home Internet based business opportunity. Not sure why the cable was on. I know I turned it off too. Anyway, I listed to it and eventually called them to send the information. We'll see if this is an answer to prayer. When the Lord returns will he find any faith at all?</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Love, Steve</span></em>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-51198619387362640502009-07-09T18:34:00.000-07:002009-07-09T18:50:34.451-07:00Presidential Priorities<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#663333;"><em>Today, June 9th, President Obama declared National Summer Learning Day. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#663333;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#663333;"><em>On June 4 he declared Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2009.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#663333;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#663333;"><em>Let's see... a day for continuing education of our children and a month celebrating the accomplishments of those living in open sin. Does anyone besides me see anything wrong with this picture?</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#663333;"><em>I guess we know where a lot of his campaign contributions came from. Here's some lemon-aid for you: At least we know the President is loyal to those who bought him into office. Just like he used the Federal government to buy car companies so he could give them to the unions. </em></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#663333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#663333;">Steve</span></em>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-5741692087729114122009-07-07T05:01:00.000-07:002009-07-07T05:28:01.556-07:00Travels<em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Well some of us are back from our trek to South Dakota and Minnesota. Kathi will fly back later this week. Those of us who drove got home about 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon after driving about 26 hours from Sioux Falls were we met up with Joel and Mary. I did the most driving but Mary and Joel took the overnight shift avoiding deer and successfully navigating the foggy mountains of Tennessee. I'm back at work today hoping the fatigue does not catch up with me before the day is over. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">It was a great adventure. </span></em><br /><ul><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">I found a new first edition book at Needs Anonymous in Webster which I read and passed on to Michael. </span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Got to visit with Carissa and her family two times. (wow are the older three growing!). They are pretty settled in their home in MN and enjoying watching their garden grow and other projects around the house. We got to talk about their hopes for the future and about the Word of God, specifically some verses in Revelations. </span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Got to visit with Heather and her boy friend Charlie. Charlie's dog Bella is a clown, she waited outside the bathroom door then barked at me when I came out. Heather's dog Riley was as happy as ever. </span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Got to see Charlie's team win a soft ball game. Turns out they won the tournament, too. They are a good hitting team and have great defense, turning double plays often. </span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Got to visit with old friends Marc and Carole and Ann and Paul. Marc had a near death experience earlier this year when his heart stopped for a while. But he is doing great now. </span></em></li><li><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Gas was about 20 cents cheaper in MN than it is in FL. </span></em></li></ul><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Every time I go to SD, I fantasize what it would be like to have a shop in Webster. Maybe a Christian book store, music store, coffee shop, place to discuss issues of the day. There is a store front for sale in downtown... hmmmm? I once had that same fantacy about Sequim, WA. Not long after someone else opened the exact same shop there. </span></em></p><p><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Hope everyone has a great day! </span></em></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-51558063933381982982009-06-26T18:57:00.000-07:002009-06-26T19:03:54.598-07:00Best Laid Plans...<em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Kathi is driving her parents to their summer home in South Dakota. They meant to get an early start this morning, but they didn't. It was raining really hard too so that slowed them. They they took the long way around Tampa. End result of all these delays, they hit Atlanta at rush hour and didn't get to their motel in Chattanooga until about 8:00 p.m. A long day. But they are doing well and their injured doggie is traveling well.</span></em>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-4457570359682219972009-06-22T06:13:00.000-07:002009-06-22T06:15:46.411-07:00Watch the Frogs<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>They say a frog will allow itself to be boiled to death if the temperature of the water is increased gradually. For this one thing I am thankful for the new President and Congress. They are turning the water to boil all at once, and the frogs are jumping out of the water. I only hope enough escape in time to make a difference! </em></span>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-63146896398382704302009-06-22T05:55:00.000-07:002009-06-22T06:13:52.739-07:00The Irony of Iran<em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">They held an election in Iran. The incumbant won, the loser is crying foul. People have been demonstrating in the streets and some have been killed. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">So what is the issue: the existence and tactics of the paramilitary organization that enforces the dictates of the Islamic theocracy on the people. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">It's not about their religion (90% have the same religion), it's not about the economy (40% are out of work), it's about who controls the power, who controls the internal "security" force.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">So meanwhile, back in the USA, some in the democratic party have been talking about creating an internal "security" organization that would prevent "right wing extremists" from performing terrorist activities. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Who's a right-wing extremist? Anyone who calls good "good" and evil "evil" is labeled an extremist and would be subjected to surveillance and arrest or worse by this new "security" force. Anyone who speaks out against the dictates of the party or persons in power. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Does that not sound a little like what the people in Iran are struggling to stop? Is that not ironic, if not completely crazy? Could we descend any further from the founding principles of this great nation? </span></em>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-37162712464163217352009-06-18T10:37:00.000-07:002009-06-18T10:48:29.711-07:00What every happened to good old American inginuity?<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>The news is extolling China's 60 mpg car: basically a tricycle with a top. Fooey. I once had a Ford Escort station wagon with a diesel engine. It sometimes got 50 mpg on the highway and it had doors, room for four and luggage. You could actually drive it on the highway. </em></span>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-10634274538897256412009-06-08T09:43:00.000-07:002009-06-18T05:16:46.201-07:00Health Insurance Poll<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>This weekend I was polled about the need to reform health care in the United States. I rarely get polled, so it was kind of fun.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>It goes without saying that everybody wants the best possible medical treatment to be available and affordable. You've heard the cry: "quality, affordable health insurance for everyone."</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>The questions were all double-edged or vague, however, so I had to answer "no" to most of them. The poll seemed to be trying to get me to say I was in favor of raising taxes on individuals and businesses and having the government control of medical insurance and services for everyone. </em></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>That's the same government that says it okay to kill unborn children, even children partially born, while on the other hand saying you can go to jail for disturbing a swallow's nest. Somehow, I just couldn't trust that kind of a government with medical decisions for my loved ones. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>At the end they asked me if it would be okay to have someone from the "news media" interview me about my responses. Of course I said "no." Ummm, makes me wonder, am I on one of those "watch lists" because of my recent quips? </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>Why is it "health insurance" anyway. They are not insuring our health, are they? We are paying premiums so they will pay for our needed medical care. Shouldn't it be called "medical insurance?"</em></span>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-53978188557362471852009-06-08T05:11:00.000-07:002009-06-08T06:26:38.444-07:00Movie Mania<em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">We saw the Star Trek movie a couple weeks ago. They live in a utopian society where no one is paid an income, there is no poverty, there is no hunger. Sounds just like the dream of the LIberals! Someone decides your role in society, unless you are James Kirk and you take your role by force. So if you are not James Kirk, you get what they give you and of course you are motivated because of the utopian society to excell. Actually, nearly everybody in the movie was completely incompetent, except Kirk of course, which I suspect will be the real outcome of the utopian society envisioned by hollywood and the liberals. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Oh, I forgot in the movie, there are aliens trying to destroy our planet! No big problem, though, since everyone eats synthicized food, they can focus entirely on stopping the aliens. I know I always think better when I eat artificial food. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">We saw Terminator Salvation last night. The savior of humanity is named John Connor. Note the initials. However, the real savior was someone else who gave his heart to save John Connor. This hero was a murderer who suddenly became a protector. They kept talking about second chances. But that's it though, no third chance! </span></em>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-66428811441395611532009-06-05T08:46:00.000-07:002009-06-05T10:01:55.277-07:00Quotes and Quips?<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>Our President's campaign promises are like a hot air balloon. Pretty and graceful on the outside, empty on the inside. I guess that makes him the ultimate politician. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>Our President's campaign promises are like a mirage in the dessert. They look hopeful in the distance, but as you get near, they vanish. Maybe he should stop making promises. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>Some think God in the Bible and Allah in the Koran are the same. God is the god of gods, king of kings, prince of peace. Allah is the god of the moon. I guess that's why our President thinks they are the same. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Companies like Boeing increase or decrease the number of employees as their plane sales increase or decrease. It is a normal part of their business. When a goverment's revenues decrease, you would think the world came to an end when they were forced into a staff reduction. They feel they are successful when they eliminate vacant positions, not real jobs. I guess that explains why our President and Congress are so determined to make more government jobs. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">This morning as I was driving to work, my trip was delayed by a crash blocking the right lane: a small car was crushed under a jack-knifed truck. It made me cry out to God in tears for the person in the car. Then I realized our government wants us all to be driving in the tiniest possible cars. I only have a limited supply of tears and I definately don't want my kids driving in the smallest possible cars. One did, and it nearly killed her. Now she drives a Suburban. You go girl! </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">On a happier note, it is raining about an inch a day in Florida. Finally, the draught is not front page news. Some Floridians should spend some time in Arizona. They are delighted with an inch a month!. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Our Governor lost his approval rating with the "Green Folks" this week. He signed a bill making development easier in some Florida communities. That bill could create more jobs and more revenue so there is money to spend on Green Projects. The "Green Folks" should spend a few days in Haiti to see how "green" cities are when no one has a job. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Let me know if these amuse or abuse. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Steve</span></em></span>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-54870589554750636222009-05-30T15:52:00.001-07:002009-05-30T15:53:27.286-07:00Mike and Carissa,<br /><br />You blog is so beautiful. What a wonderful family you have. Blessings in Jesus. Aunt Megmeg harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889048674904769464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-33817804980822095452009-05-27T16:35:00.000-07:002009-06-02T06:09:13.124-07:00Afternoon on Ana Maria Island<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3QKQRiATI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ePv-7vATxgc/s1600-h/DSCN1238.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340653607717044530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3QKQRiATI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ePv-7vATxgc/s400/DSCN1238.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here is the whole gang. </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">A nice lady sitting near by </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">volunteered to take the picture.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">We are on Ana Maria Island on the Gulf of Mexico.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3PK6G2fnI/AAAAAAAAAJs/fhyBQ0-uYM8/s1600-h/Wave_Jumping.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340652519434911346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 340px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3PK6G2fnI/AAAAAAAAAJs/fhyBQ0-uYM8/s400/Wave_Jumping.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here are Tori and Sara jumping some waves.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">The water temperature was prefect, it didn't feel warm or cold.</span></em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3PKoVnmnI/AAAAAAAAAJk/tonKGuMSWPU/s1600-h/DSCN1233.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340652514665011826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3PKoVnmnI/AAAAAAAAAJk/tonKGuMSWPU/s400/DSCN1233.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Tori is testing the water. </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">She really enjoyed her time at the beach.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">She built a sand castle and found lots of sea shells</span></em><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3PKY7z_8I/AAAAAAAAAJc/fABe_Gnv_Lk/s1600-h/DSCN1234.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340652510530240450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3PKY7z_8I/AAAAAAAAAJc/fABe_Gnv_Lk/s400/DSCN1234.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Kathi and Tori wave jumping.</span> </span></em><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3PJ8BjbHI/AAAAAAAAAJM/WFdmWBCeinI/s1600-h/DSCN1240.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340652502769691762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sh3PJ8BjbHI/AAAAAAAAAJM/WFdmWBCeinI/s400/DSCN1240.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here Alan is having a little fun with my Mexican hat.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">We did not do a Mexican Hat Dance though.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">May all your days on the beach be warm and sunny!</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Steve</span></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-88565373820913782212009-05-26T14:20:00.000-07:002009-05-26T17:03:49.265-07:00Fishing on the Gulf<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Shxec8Gg_EI/AAAAAAAAAHg/CDan_hVvk4M/s1600-h/DSCN1231.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340247109417368642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Shxec8Gg_EI/AAAAAAAAAHg/CDan_hVvk4M/s400/DSCN1231.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Today Alan and I got to go fishing on the Gulf of Mexico out of the Cortex fishing dock. These are a couple of pelicans who greeted our return. Actually they were staring intently at the Captain who was cleaning the fish. </span></em><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>I only got sick twice.</em></span> </p><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/ShxecuMX2XI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Y0Kj60VuoVo/s1600-h/DSCN1214.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340247105683839346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/ShxecuMX2XI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Y0Kj60VuoVo/s400/DSCN1214.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here I am catching a "big" shark. Actually, it was about 2 feet long. It put up a pretty good fight though. I caught a lot of little fish call red groupers that we had to through back because they were too small. Alan and also caught some Key West Snappers. They are also small fish, no pictures of them. Alan hooked two sharks, but didn't land any. You will have to ask him about the story. </span></em><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/ShxecXMEK8I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/3JcSPm8yKm0/s1600-h/DSCN1226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340247099508534210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/ShxecXMEK8I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/3JcSPm8yKm0/s400/DSCN1226.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Here I am holding up the shark and a king fish that I caught. The king fish we caught were really good fighters, a lot of fun to catch.</span> </span></em><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/ShxecCBFW3I/AAAAAAAAAHI/diyWSapCenQ/s1600-h/DSCN1228.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340247093825330034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/ShxecCBFW3I/AAAAAAAAAHI/diyWSapCenQ/s400/DSCN1228.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here is Alan holding the two king fish he caught. If you click on the video clip below, you can see that Alan was a little disappointed with his catch. :-)</span></em><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/ShxeboX8EXI/AAAAAAAAAHA/weomAzoZN8M/s1600-h/DSCN1219.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340247086941868402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/ShxeboX8EXI/AAAAAAAAAHA/weomAzoZN8M/s400/DSCN1219.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here is Alan catching a really big one. He pulled and pulled, but it got away. Actually this happened a lot. We were hooking the coral reef or the little fish were pulling the lines into the coral. Eventually the line broke. </span></em><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here is Alan's Victory Dance! </span></em><br /><br /><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwxxMrcGrVgLIOV2xn-FxJVRUA-eQ7gF_ERCK9Vw8njH7wj6ZFj7yIcP-D5zQR_fPRuXXUKyKASsiD0ue0x7A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></em></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>May all your fishing adventures be full of success!</em></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></em></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>Steve</em></span></div><div></div></div></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-89376183066443090162009-05-22T11:58:00.000-07:002009-05-22T12:05:07.344-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xQkZiGqdxGU/Shb11edHX7I/AAAAAAAAAAw/qbGfQXeEw20/s1600-h/wedding+pic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338724707351355314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xQkZiGqdxGU/Shb11edHX7I/AAAAAAAAAAw/qbGfQXeEw20/s320/wedding+pic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />The wedding was a success! We had so much fun. I loved every minute of it. Joel wrote me the most beautiful song. I love him so much! Having all the family together was fun. Dad and I had an awesome dance to My Girl. There are quite a few pictures on facebook of the whole day. This is one of my favorites. The photgrapher was so amazing! I can't wait to see the rest. Also the video.Mary Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10588416862192261324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-38787174619057699272009-05-22T05:32:00.001-07:002009-05-26T14:38:37.223-07:00Steve's Weight .... Update<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Shabkzaw5-I/AAAAAAAAAG4/-WadQDQaunM/s1600-h/Steve_Goal_22-May.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338625464874362850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Shabkzaw5-I/AAAAAAAAAG4/-WadQDQaunM/s400/Steve_Goal_22-May.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">Can't really call it "weight lose" update this week. As is clearly visible, the moving average has actually risen by about 1/2 pound this week. </span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Can think of lots of excuses, but it is really that I haven't been exercising at all and only a little running. Calories in are exceeding calories burned, thus, weight is creeping up. </span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Hopefully, next week will be better. We are planning outings while Alan and family are here that will involve a lot of walking. Just need to make sure I don't overdo the calorie laden beverages. </span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">Never give up! - Steve</span></em></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-75221396255206641492009-05-20T08:54:00.000-07:002009-05-20T09:23:35.704-07:00The Florida Economy from Where I Sit<span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>My Situation:<br /></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>I work for a national consultant engineering firm. Over the past few years the firm has won some very large projects, many in excess of $5,000,000 per year in fees. I am working on one such project as a Project Manager for about 56 specific projects. I know that sounds like a lot but many of them are pretty small. <br /></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>The Impacts of the Economy:<br /></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>Over the past few months the client has learned that their revenue to pay for the program our firm is managing has declined significantly due to lower property, sales and gas taxes. They were planning to purchase bonds to build about $500M in new projects. Earlier this year they learned that their bond rating was lowered, increasing their interest rates, lowering the amount they can borrow. Now the county is considering a 25% reduction in county staff. They are also considering a major reduction to the program we are managing. So in addition to 25% staffing layoffs, the county may be terminating or scaling back our contract. <br /></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>A neighboring County is considering similar program and staffing cuts. <br /></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>The Grace of Our God:<br /></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><em>While all this is happening, the client is also considering increasing the program budget and accelerating the projects I am managing. And the client has expressed desire to keep me working on the program even if the existing contract is terminated or cut back. All around me people are worried about their jobs. We had an emergency staff meeting a couple weeks ago and everyone was afraid there would an announcement about more staffing cuts. A similar meeting was held in February where 2 people from my office were let go. This meeting was about our color copying bill – it was too high! I, on the other hand, am wondering whether I will be able to keep up with the work I have and that appears to be coming my way.</em></span>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-43047679742719635242009-05-15T11:29:00.000-07:002009-05-15T11:48:46.525-07:00Rain, Rain DON'T Go Away<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sg22Aaz14SI/AAAAAAAAAGw/voneF2OYmYs/s1600-h/DSCN1201.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336121251816923426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sg22Aaz14SI/AAAAAAAAAGw/voneF2OYmYs/s400/DSCN1201.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>When we were kids growing up in Olympia, WA. It seemed to rain all the time. We were thankful for even a partially sunny day. Here in Florida, its the opposite. This is a tropical climate that depends on rain all year to flourish. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>Up until this week, we had gone over 30 days without rain and all everybody could talk about was the drought. I know - 30 days doesn't seem <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sg210LkGzmI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Hay8bFiEZ_0/s1600-h/DSCN1196.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336121041565961826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sg210LkGzmI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Hay8bFiEZ_0/s400/DSCN1196.JPG" border="0" /></a>like much, but we didn't even have any April showers. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>This week, it started raining again. These are some pictures from my commute Thursday evening. This was the third straight raining homeward commute. </em></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>I missed taking pictures of the double rainbows Wednesday evening because the camera was in the back seat in the comptuer bag. </em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>Last night the rain was not severe and there was sunshine beaming through the clouds. Also the wipers are almost new so there are very few streaks. Actually it didn't rain hard enough to get all the bugs off the window. You can also see from the pictures that the traffic is not too bad. That is because I was slightly ahead of the rush hour and because my commute is almost always free flowing, at least for the last 20 miles. </em></span></p><p><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">I am sure that was about as interesting as a cup of hot water instead of coffee... but that's a whole other story.</span></em></p><p><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">May your rain be the good kind that brings clean air, green grass and lots of blooming flowers. </span></em></p><p><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Steve </span></span></em></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-44035513746498351322009-05-15T04:54:00.000-07:002009-05-15T05:03:49.478-07:00Steve's Weight-Loss Update<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sg1YLiKbHfI/AAAAAAAAAGY/uV2n-T8IXjM/s1600-h/Steve_Goal_15-May.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336018088676236786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 349px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/Sg1YLiKbHfI/AAAAAAAAAGY/uV2n-T8IXjM/s400/Steve_Goal_15-May.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#000099;">Well with the wedding behind us, I decided to adjust the red goal line and start from where I am. That is why the red line splits and drops. </span></em></span></span></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Weight was steady during the wedding and so far the week after. That's why the blue lline bumps to the right. </span></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">I need to keep up with the walking ... only did it a couple times this week. All the wedding food did not help! But it was good. And there are still mints and nuts left over. </span></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Now we are looking forward to Alan, Sara and Tori's visit on Memorial Day week. This will be the first time they have been to Florida since we have been here. Alan wants to go fishing. Tori wants to go to Disney and a zoo. </span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Hope your week at head is full of promise and joy. </span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Steve</span></em></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-27980804601351112092009-05-14T13:31:00.001-07:002009-05-14T13:35:09.230-07:00Mary & Joel Wedding Pictures<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>Some (or a lot) pictures from the wedding are now apparently posted to:</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30221267&amp;id=1202455926"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30221267&amp;id=1202455926</em></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>Mary and Joel have not seen them yet. They won't be back from their honeymoon cruise until Sunday morning. I doubt that they are paying for Internet access on the ship, but I may be wrong. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>I have not seen them yet because Facebook is blocked out on our Internet at work. </em></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Enjoy!</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Steve</span></em>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036815215265233110.post-13649108623351949822009-05-14T09:12:00.000-07:002009-05-14T09:21:04.305-07:00Uncle John Cacavas<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/SgxEm2yyHTI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/-VKC6Mk86lg/s1600-h/Uncle_John_Cacavas.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335715092861426994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CksQcbqAaEA/SgxEm2yyHTI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/-VKC6Mk86lg/s400/Uncle_John_Cacavas.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><em>Hello! I wanted you all to see the picture of my mom and her Greek cousin (his dad and my mom's dad were brothers) who I had never met before this past Greek Easter. Don't they have some similar features! They call him chefas (which means outcast!) because he was considered an outcast from the Cacavas family. He told us the whole story which is fascinating. So that explains why I had never met him! They have lived in St. Pete Beach in a gorgeous home on the water for 45 years. He made his money by starting a pizza parlor in Ohio and selling it at its peak. He has multiple health problems and wasn't able to make the trip for the wedding. Their daughter would have had to bring them and had a conflict. I hope to have them over here sometime in the future. </em></span><div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><em></em></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><em>Kathi</em></span></div></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06827158653250496847noreply@blogger.com0